The future of connectivity for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) relies on a ubiquitous network. Yesterday, that reality moved one step closer with our introduction of the world’s first unified automotive SIM solution, supporting both cellular and satellite connectivity.
In conjunction with satellite connectivity provider Skylo, this groundbreaking solution will eliminate the need to support multiple networks or hardware upgrades ensuring that vehicles, powered by Snapdragon® Auto 5G Modem-RF solutions from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., stay securely connected to critical services anywhere there is a clear line of sight to the sky. Speaking about this breakthrough, Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic3 said:
We’re excited to unveil the world’s first automotive-grade solution that delivers seamless connectivity across both terrestrial cellular and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) – marking a major milestone in enabling a truly ubiquitous network for connected cars.
Our collaboration with Skylo has centred on redefining the limits of global vehicle connectivity. Last year, we announced our vision to bring satellite connectivity to vehicles ensuring seamless coverage where cellular networks can’t reach – and today, we’ve made that vision a reality.
Switching seamlessly between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks
With access to over 550+ terrestrial networks (TNs) across 200+ countries, our advanced connectivity solutions help the world’s biggest automakers scale and grow. Our eSIM technology enables seamless global connectivity by allowing remote provisioning and management of mobile network profiles without any physical SIM changes. This supports real-time services like navigation, diagnostics and over-the air (OTA) updates, facilitates Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and ensures reliable performance in harsh environments.
Now, with the introduction of the first auto-grade solution that combines both cellular and satellite connectivity, we are unlocking even greater opportunity for OEMs, enabling them to seamlessly switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial coverage using a single SIM.
The impact on the industry will be transformative. Automakers will be able to provide reliable, always on-connected experiences for their customers, even in the most critical situations, while the ability to move between TN and NTN will form the bedrock of ubiquitous connectivity across the industry. Through this autonomous driving and smart infrastructure will be able to scale and operate efficiently.
5GAA demonstrations in Paris
While not yet commercially available, a demonstration of Cubic3 and Skylo’s first automotive-grade SIM will take place at 5GAA’s 2030 & Beyond: Accelerating Connected Mobility event in Paris on Thursday 15 May 2025. 5GAA is a global, cross-industry organisation that brings together major car makers and technology companies to develop and promote standardised solutions for connected vehicles.
For the first time ever, we will see connected cars using non-terrestrial networks. It will not only illustrate how NTN complements terrestrial 4G and 5G networks but also underscores the value that both, combined, hold for ubiquitous connectivity.
Enhancing automotive safety with satellite connectivity
Non-terrestrial networks have a key role to play when it comes to enhancing automotive safety. At the 5GAA event in Paris, automaker Stellantis and Cubic3 will demonstrate how satellite connectivity can seamlessly extend internet coverage for connected cars and, in doing so, enhance vehicle safety.
Drawing on satellite narrowband connectivity, the demonstration in Paris focus on two areas of interest for the automotive industry:
- Emergencies alerts: An emergency alert will be transmitted from a connected vehicle to a backend server using NTN. Thereby showing how emergency services can be reached even in areas where coverage is limited.
- Weather alerts: Using NTN, a weather alert will be sent from a backend server to a vehicle in a region that is experiencing adverse weather conditions. This will illustrate the key role of NTN when it comes to providing early warnings of hazardous conditions and improving driver safety.
Delivering better user experience in critical situations thanks to seamless TN/NTN switching
In another first at the 5GAA Paris event tomorrow, Cubic3, alongside LG Electronics, will showcase an NTN-based voice communication service that seamlessly switches between TN and NTN coverage. The demo will show the ability of voice and assistant services to be delivered over satellite connectivity for the first time ever. This use of voice activation is a game changer, going beyond the text-based alerts currently in existence it can deliver enhanced emergency communications and provide drivers with better user experiences in critical situations.
5GAA Paris: a key turning point?
This week’s 5GAA technology demonstrations in Paris highlight the journey the car industry has been on and the strides that have been made in bringing terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks closer together. Nick Power, Chief Technology Officer, Cubic3 says:
Cubic3 is proud to be at the forefront of this global innovation for connected vehicles. Showcasing the world’s first automotive-grade SIM at 5GAA means we can provide automakers with seamless connectivity across both terrestrial cellular and non-terrestrial networks. But more than that, we also support voice communication, setting a new global standard for vehicle connectivity. With our SIM the future of ubiquitous connectivity is unlocked for OEMs.
5GAA’s NTN 2030 Roadmap has predicted that initial market deployment of satellite connectivity could happen by 2027. With innovations such as the first automotive-grade SIM that combines terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks being showcased in Paris this week, that date looks set to realised.
Learn more about ubiquitous connectivity in our eBook ‘Ubiquitous Connectivity: For a Smarter Automotive Future
